Parties and Lipstick

Hera's party guests.

What a crazy month, I don't know how on earth it went by so fast.

We had the kids birthday party's at the end of May so more kids could make it before taking off for holidays. We hosted Mystery parties for each of the kids with Ted as the host. They were great and a lot of fun. Athena's was probably more fun since the kids had stuff they had to do to make themselves look guilty and play out making for a lot of participation and you didn't have to be really smart to figure out the mystery. Both girls had sleepovers, even though I promised myself I'll never have a sleepover again last year and the year before, and both times the kids were so loud I went downstairs to sleep with them. Worked like a charm. Thank goodness both are now done for another year. Poor Ted at one point in the evening said to me during Hera's party, "I don't think I can do this."

Athena's party girls.

I am almost done my grooming course and would like to take on an internship. Between this and having to severely penny pinch lately things were getting pretty stressful but somehow that lead to the right people coming into my life at the right time and things are just working out. Funny how that happens and I just can't help thinking that somehow when you are heading the right way doors just open, such as I am already lining up business.

Clara before grooming.
Clara after grooming. You have no idea how long this took because Clara is incredibly squirmy. What you can't see is I trimmed her ears, tail, feet and around the eyes. Jackson isn't on here because I tried to use clippers around his eyes. Not a good idea with a wriggly pup.

My mom is undergoing tons of tests right now to try and pin point a partial blockage. We are hoping that someone cancels with Dr. Evans so he can look at her soon so she can finally go in for surgery. It's incredibly painful for her and I can't stand waiting another week for doctors to do surgery. Unless her intestines burst all we can do is wait. Anyone looking for a career should think of becoming a "Butt Doctor" and moving up to the Terrace area.

Did I mention last month I backed into Ted's car! Yup, while Katherine and Vince were here. Just had to get that out since Ted is embarassing me with it when we are out with friends. Now no one can give me the, ' You did what?', look. Now they'll just look at me like,' At least I didn't do that.'

I have an interesting fact to share with you I just learned, a Monsoon is defined as "any wind that reverses its direction seasonally." So it's a little more than freak thunderstorms and winds and officially started this June. Haven't seen any storms yet but can't wait to see and admire them.

Little Isi found my lipstick and she thinks she is gorgeous. Wish I could show you her face when she saw this picture.

I miss all of you!!!

Extra big hugs,

Charmaine and Family

My Little Balerina!

Here is my sweet little ballerina. Little Isi dances ballet everyday. I can't wait to put her in classes when she is three. Hopefully she stays interested for a while.
We recently enjoyed a fantastic visit with Katherine and Vince. The photo above is from the 'Out of Africa Safari Zoo' which has some awesome animals and a really great tiger splash show. The weather during that day was horrible and we actually could have used winter rain gear. We didn't get to do the whole park because of the darn weather. It was very expensive for a Zoo so far out of our way and don't know if I would go back but it was definitely worth going to once.
We did lot's of shopping and cooking and just hanging out. I hope they come back soon. Vince made an amazing Carbonara. It was a huge portion that lasted several meals but no way did one single noodle get wasted.

During Katherine and Vince's stay we were invited up to Vince's uncles cabin for the day. The kids had an awesome time and where even horseback riding. Can you believe Isi on this huge horse all by herself? Isi was in heaven and it was almost impossible to get her off. I have never been so close to a horse that I remember and actually was leading him around, that was pretty cool.
I'll have to add more puppy pictures next time. They are growing too fast and really starting to lighten up. The girls and I took them swimming with very interesting results. Clara hates the water and will try to get out as soon as you put her in, while Jackson wants to keep going and will actually turn away from the way out if you bring him to the stairs before he is ready to come out. The most interested thing they did was when Clara was frantic to climb out of the pool in the wrong spot Jackson came along, grabbed her by the back of the neck and yanked her out. I was completely amazed. I wonder if that's what they'll be doing to us when they get bigger?

Check out more photos on facebook!

Love Charmaine and family